brake problem/question
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 102
Likes: 20
brake problem/question
Recently I've noticed the following problem with my brakes in the morning. When I first start my 95 F-150, my brakes are extremely sensitive and tend to lock up. It feels as though I've pumped my brake pedal several times while the vehicle was off, and the lines are filled with fluid. Is this something that might be equated with the cold weather, or possibly a problem with brake fluid or master cylinder. On a related note, my front brakes are possibly in need of replacement, as I feel a shuddering motion when I brake now. It's almost as if I were tapping the brakes really fast. I think that my rotors need to be replaced, but haven't had a chance to take a look at them. Do these symptons sound familiar to anyone? I'm taking the truck in for service soon for a problem with my front end, a possible control arm problem, and if I can fix my brakes myself and save money.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 2
From: Southeast FLA
brake problem/question
spoon059, can you better describe your lockup? Rear wheel lockup is common on our trucks. SOmetimes drums need turned, but I've been told (here on FTE by numerous people) there was actually a redesign of the rear shoes by Ford. Some aftermarket shoe manufacturers may have incorporated the new design, and some may not have.
(basically I think it is just a bevelling of the leading edges, but I may be wrong - I think the shoes, from Ford, cost $60).
Mine only act like that when it is damp outside. (Maybe damp or humid?)
It sure is a pain though.
But if your fronts are locking up as well, well, that's a different problem that should be looked at right away.
I still haven't done anything about my rears... I'm just very careful on those mornings.
I think I'll try to get the drums turned before I try new shoes.
Best,
(basically I think it is just a bevelling of the leading edges, but I may be wrong - I think the shoes, from Ford, cost $60).
Mine only act like that when it is damp outside. (Maybe damp or humid?)
It sure is a pain though.
But if your fronts are locking up as well, well, that's a different problem that should be looked at right away.
I still haven't done anything about my rears... I'm just very careful on those mornings.
I think I'll try to get the drums turned before I try new shoes.
Best,
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: IOWA
brake problem/question
Regarding the front brakes- If they are not locking up and are just "shuddering", likely they just need to be turned. Might as well change the pads if they have plenty of use on them.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 1
From: Rural Florida Panhandle
brake problem/question
The extra sensitive braking when cold and damp is normal. You can help the problem by riding you brakes lightly for a short distance, to get them warmed up (but not hot).
The other problem is definitely warped rotors. You may be able to get them turned, otherwise you will need new ones.
Be sure to tighten the bearings good when replacing them.
The other problem is definitely warped rotors. You may be able to get them turned, otherwise you will need new ones.
Be sure to tighten the bearings good when replacing them.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 925
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From: Quaker Hill ,CT U.S.A.
brake problem/question
Those symptoms seem very similar to mine check out my post "The one and only 1989 Ford F150 4X4 AGAIN!!"
What I found out was one of the small cables going to the auto adjusters was broken causeing the rear brake to lock up real tight ! I would remove your drums and check out the shoes and everything else in there !
Jon
What I found out was one of the small cables going to the auto adjusters was broken causeing the rear brake to lock up real tight ! I would remove your drums and check out the shoes and everything else in there !
Jon
New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
brake problem/question
I have a 1989 Ford F150 and my rear brakes lock up a little each time I first try to move the truck. I have replaced both wheel cylinders, both sets of brake shoes, and had the drums turned and it still hangs up. The only thing left to try is the emergency break cable.
I will say this... my breaks never really unstick even after I drive it. When I get out of the truck I can smell a burnt smell coming from the wheel that sticks.
I will say this... my breaks never really unstick even after I drive it. When I get out of the truck I can smell a burnt smell coming from the wheel that sticks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 2
From: Southeast FLA
brake problem/question
purdueguy, exactly what brand and level of shoes did you put on it?
Like I mentioned, I've been told some manufacturers haven't made the change that Ford did with the redesigning of the shoes.
I was going to try high-quality NAPA ones, but I guesss I might as well just get the Ford ones when it comes time. (thing is - they don't seem to be wearing much at all... maybe the whole adjustment mechanism system is poor on these trucks?)
Like I mentioned, I've been told some manufacturers haven't made the change that Ford did with the redesigning of the shoes.
I was going to try high-quality NAPA ones, but I guesss I might as well just get the Ford ones when it comes time. (thing is - they don't seem to be wearing much at all... maybe the whole adjustment mechanism system is poor on these trucks?)
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 416
Likes: 0
brake problem/question
You first need to find out if it is the front or rear brakes that are at faul. I had a similar problem with my 93 F150. I used a deserted rodway for the test. All I did was slowly step on the park brake to see if it casued the rear brakes to act up when driving,it did. The problem turned out to be an out of round drum, possible caused by the park brake put on too soon after braking hard and heating the drum up. I changed out the drums and the problem was solved. I also experienced the super sensitive brakes in the morning syndrom on another truck. I replaced the rear shoes with Napa shoes but before installing them I beveled the leading edges of all shoes. I haven't had the problem sisnce.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6
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brake problem/question
I purchased the shoes from AutoZone, they were like $16 with core of $5. I'm not sure of the brand name but they were the cheapest ones that Autozone sold. They were in a blue and white box. Mostly white with Blue Letters.